In the summer of 2015, during an epic 7+ week camping trip we spent a few days at Missisagi Provincial Park, which is north or Elliot Lake, Ontario. The park features rugged landscape with clear blue lakes and ancient hills, including a 130 metre high lookout over Helenbar Trail.
It was an especially hot stay at the park so we didn’t try to hike any of the longer trails available. We did venture onto the Semiwite Creek Trail which is only 1.5 kilometres. 
You can start the trail from many locations in the park, including the gatehouse and the Exhibit Centre. There are signs and plastic markers to guide your way.
Part of the trail was a gritty sand base, kind of link the sand they brought in to make a sandy beach, instead of the mucky lake bottom that was naturally occuring. We found it strange and somewhat difficult to walk on but it didn’t last the whole trail. 
There were tall trees with birds singing at the very top of the canopy. 
Rocks were strewn all over the forest floor and there were large deciduous trees growing throughout the forest.
Along the way we came across various boulders that we dragged here during the last Ice Age as the glaciers receded.
The Semiwite Creek was very low and we walk down the rocky river for a short time.
There were gorgeous views both in the forest and along the creek and ponds.
This beaver pond has some active and inactive beaver lodges and feed piles.
Tall pine trees towered over us and reached toward the sky.
Chitra is especially fond of White Pines and always has to find one to huge. We definitely believe in the concept of “forest bathing” which is a common practice in Japan. There is research to support the idea that being in nature and around trees is good for our mental health and we absolutely do feel its benefits. A walk in the woods can relieve a lot of stress. Give it a try! 
Although it was quite hot, the day was beautiful with its clear skies and light, billowing clouds. I love watching the reflections in the water! And I love capturing them in photographs!
The trail offered several small lookouts and a gorgeous shaded walk through a boreal forest. We didn’t stay at the park long but I would definitely like to go back. There were several trails we didn’t explore and it would also be a great park to explore by canoe.
